Venturing Out...Alone!

Give it a try!

Some of you know that with my job, I am off in June and July.     I thought it would be great, and it is, but I started thinking about how without a lot of activity, I might find myself hosting more pity parties than I could afford.   I knew the divorce would be final on June 19 and it would be a difficult time.   I was determined to find ways to occupy my time and to steer clear of negativity!

Enter...Day Trips, 101!  I decided that each week in June and July, I would take a day trip, somewhere in the state of Ohio and try to venture out on my own.   I went online to get some ideas and there are plenty of places to go.   My plan was to visit a town/city/park and find a restaurant where I would eat lunch alone.  

For my first trip, I decided to go to the hometown of Smuckers, in Orville, Ohio.   I love my jelly and thought this could be fun.  Take a tour, shop in the gift shop and eat in their Café!  It was going to be about 2 and 1/2 hours away, but I could go there and be back well before dark. With this trip planned, I hopped in the car at 8am on a Thursday morning in June.   I had my songs playing, my sunglasses on and soon, I would arrive at Smuckers.   Now, they don't offer tours of the factory, but they have a lovely gift shop!   WHAT?   I drove 3 hours to a fancy gift shop???    *Note to self...do a little more research before venturing out!

I got my cart and strolled around, naturally purchasing some jelly, some cake mix and a few other items that were calling my name.   $56 later, I asked the cashier where I could find the Café.   She pointed to the lovely snack bar located to the right of the entrance.   UGH!   I didn't want to eat at a snack bar.   Anyone can do that alone.   I wanted to be seated by a hostess, order food from a waitress and spend one hour in the restaurant alone.   Well, I didn't really WANT to do that, but it was part of the process.

Thankfully, after looking on my phone/GPS, I located an Amish style restaurant, just 5 miles away.   I decided to go there.   I enjoyed the back roads leading to The Dutch Kitchen restaurant.  

When I entered, there was a large sign welcoming the Red Hat Ladies and The Over the Hill Club.   I knew I would be in good company!    The hostess, in her long skirt, and white bonnet/cap, welcomed me, and said, "Is there just one of you today?"  Well, yes...it's just me.   She seated me in my own little booth, across from 4 construction workers and next to a lonely Amish looking man (full shaggy beard, overalls, and a straw hat on the table).  I was greeted by my server, also in a long skirt and a bonnet, and a nose ring, and a lip piercing.  I chuckled at the contrast and wondered if she had just married Jedidiah or had appeared on an episode of Breaking Amish.   I ordered the broasted chicken, which seemed to be one of their specialties.   The Amish man next to me ordered the house special...evidently, the real Amish favorite.  Something nice and light, Noodles over Mashed Potatoes...Homemade noodles over our own real mashed potatoes with (a gallon of) gravy poured on top.    

Okay, so I know the Amish people are really busy during the day, building barns, working the fields and the like, and I'm sure they need their carbs, but I can't imagine being able to do anything constructive after consuming all of those carbs!   It seemed to be a favorite of a couple of the construction workers too!!   

I was determined to stay for an hour, so I was very deliberate in my pace for eating.   There was a feeling that everyone was looking at me...maybe because I was new in town, or maybe it was because I was in capris and flip flops, or maybe it was because I was alone, but I felt it.   With your cell phone, you are never really alone.   I checked my email, sent a couple of messages, and looked up other day trips.   I tried to take a picture of the Amish man but I have not mastered the "stealthie" yet so I had to pass.  Soon, my hour was up, and I left the dining hall. 

As I drove home, I gave myself a little pat on the back and said, "YOU DID IT!"  Getting in the car that morning was huge, and once I was there, it was nice, to just do what I wanted, at my pace.   I know it's more fun with someone, but I know I can do it alone!  There's a lot out there and I don't want to miss any of it!   So if I have to go alone, I know I can do it!  I have more stories to share, but if you have ever thought about doing this, venturing out alone, I have to say, you should give it a try.   It wasn't too bad, it wasn't great, but it was a start...one trip down...seven more to go!

I'm not a good selfie taker!

My first dining experience alone!

First road trip evidence!!